Met Police under fire after warning journalists not to publish leaked documents

Scotland Yard has come under fire after warning journalists they could face prosecution if they publish any more leaked diplomatic cables from Britain’s ambassador to the US.

Tory leadership contenders Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt both strongly defended the right of the press to publish leaked government documents, amid anger at the police intervention.

The Metropolitan Police announced on Friday it was launching a criminal investigation into the leak of dispatches from Kim Darroch, which were highly critical of the Trump administration.

At the same time, Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu issued a warning to the media that they could face prosecution if there was any further publication of the documents.

Boris Johnson said a prosecution of journalists could have a ‘chilling effect’ on public debate

His comments drew a furious response from journalists and some politicians.

Mr Johnson said any such prosecution would amount to an “infringement of press freedom” and would have a “chilling effect” on public debate.

“In my view there is no threat to national security implied by the release of this material. It is embarrassing but it is not a threat to national security,” he said.

“It is the duty of media organisations to bring new and interesting facts into the public domain. That is what they are there for.

“A prosecution on this basis would amount to an infringement on press freedom and have a chilling effect on public debate. That is my view.”

These leaks damaged UK/US relations & cost a loyal ambassador his job so the person responsible MUST be held fully to account. But I defend to the hilt the right of the press to publish those leaks if they receive them & judge them to be in the public interest: that is their job